For homeopath Deborah Wood, the path to becoming a practitioner began with her own health journey. After experiencing a debilitating inflammatory condition in her twenties and finding relief through homeopathy, she developed a deep interest in natural health and holistic wellbeing. What started as a personal quest for healing soon evolved into a lifelong passion, fuelled further by motherhood and a desire to support families in a gentle, individualised way. More than two decades later, Deborah continues to help clients navigate their health challenges while embracing ongoing learning, from homeopathy and natural health to her latest passion, beekeeping. Here she talks to The Natural Parent magazine about the inspiration behind her work, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your practice?
My homeopathy journey started when I was in my mid-twenties and experiencing a debilitating health crisis, which was chronic inflammation. I had little to no success with allopathy and, after a year of my health deteriorating, my grandmother suggested I see a homeopath.
The consultation was very in-depth, the prescribed remedy cleared my condition and my life improved radically. I was so amazed by the shift that I started reading books on homeopathy, midwifery and naturopathy, which led to a healthier lifestyle.
When I got pregnant, I bought a Homeopathic Birth Kit and learnt all about the remedies. Being pregnant and then having my first baby gave me such a thirst for knowledge. I was like a sponge for information and found myself sitting up every night for hours reading about homeopathy.
When my son turned one, I started studying homeopathy in Wellington and my passion grew from there. I completed the studies and gained my qualification seven and a half years later.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
After graduating, I rented a room to practise from. I wanted to create a comfortable, therapeutic space where clients felt heard, supported and empowered, while also putting my knowledge and experience to use.
The room morphed to home visits, to accommodate busy mums with new babies, sleeping toddlers, teenagers, the elderly and everyone in between.
Friends and family received a lot of free advice and remedies when I was starting out. I was super keen to help people so they could experience the benefits of homeopathy for themselves.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your practice?
The simple realisation that people need to be invested in the process for it to be truly effective. Clients need to be actively onboard and conscious of their choices to create the best outcome.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
My boys are big now, 24 and 21, so I’m basically a free agent.
When I began my journey 23 years ago, my eldest was just one year old. I had my second child in year two of my studies and really stepped up to the challenge. He came to class with me and was a dream baby, sleeping through tutorials and not fazed at being handed around the class.
I also travelled regularly that year as we lived in the South Island and I was training in the North Island. At home, when the boys slept, I did assignments and coursework. I had to be very disciplined.
